UKTI and NanoKTN Award Helps UK SME Develop New Business Relationships

In late 2009, AM Technology, developer of chemical reactors and reactor control systems received the award for its patented technology that achieves high efficiency mixing in a continuous process and can be applied to scaling up chemical processes including those relating to nanotechnology. Since winning the award, Managing Director Robert Ashe reports that turnover has increased by over 100%, selling equipment to major manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, flavours and fragrances and biotechnology markets.

The annual UK Nano & Emerging Technologies Forum provides a unique networking forum and showcase for the latest developments in nanotechnology and other emerging technologies. Winning the award has not only given the company invaluable publicity, it has also increased the credibility of its technologies and led to increased interest from key players within the market.

The NanoKTN’s primary aim is to encourage and support organisations to collaborate and share knowledge with key partners in attractive end user markets to achieve growth of the UK nanotechnology sector. One of the key methods to ensure networking between key market players is to facilitate interactions through networking at events.

As well as the positive reactions from the market since winning the Energy & Environment award, AM Technology has also seen other benefits from having a presence at events hosted by the NanoKTN. Attending presentations and seminars and exhibiting at events, has enabled Managing Director, Robert Ashe to learn about the needs of the market and its potential customers, as well as ensuring he keeps up-to-date with relevant developments in technology and funding.

“Winning the award and exhibiting at the event has enabled us to establish strong relationships with potential customers as well as help strengthen our existing relationships,” explains Robert Ashe, Managing Director at AM Technology.

Ashe continues, “The NanoKTN’s events are particularly useful for smaller, speciality companies looking for exposure and I would recommend them to any UK SMEs looking for a head start. Building partnerships and making yourself known is crucial to companies, particularly those in the early stages of development. It allows you to establish business contacts and make a name within a competitive industry. I would recommend them to anyone that wants to network and raise company profile. ”

For 2010 UKTI has merged UK Nano and Emerging Technologies Forum and Technology World into one major event. Over 2days, the event will showcase the best of UK science and technology to an international audience. The NanoKTN is pleased to announce an Exhibitor Grant Competition for UK nanotechnology organisations. A grant of £200 will be awarded to up to 18 organisations to subsidise exhibition space in the Nano Zone at this year’s major event ‘Technology World in partnership with UK NanoForum’ at the ExCel Centre, London (7th - 8th Dec 2010).